our teachers

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Piano Teachers

Luba M.

Luba M.

Head Piano Instructor

Luba is the heart of our piano program—and with over four decades of experience, she brings an unmatched level of knowledge, discipline, and passion to our Academy.

As our Head Piano Instructor, Luba has dedicated her life to the art of piano, both as a performer and as an educator. Her musical journey began at an early age in one of the most prestigious and rigorous environments in the world: the Soviet Russian Piano Academy. There, she received formal classical training under the traditional Russian method—a system renowned for its technical precision, musical expression, and uncompromising standards.

Luba’s foundational education instilled in her a lifelong commitment to excellence, and she brings that same dedication to each and every lesson she teaches. Over the years, she has built an impressive résumé that includes completing all levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) program and earning full certification as an RCM piano instructor. Her teaching approach is structured, methodical, and deeply rooted in classical traditions, ensuring that her students develop strong technical foundations and a deep understanding of musical theory and expression.

Having taught and performed for over 40 years, Luba has mentored hundreds of students—from complete beginners to advanced pianists preparing for RCM exams or university auditions. Many of her students have gone on to achieve high scores in examinations and pursue music at post-secondary levels. Her ability to adapt her classical training to meet the needs of a modern student body makes her both a traditionalist and an innovator in the classroom.

Luba takes immense pride in her strong background in Russian music and the time-tested Russian teaching philosophy, which emphasizes discipline, musicality, and mastery through repetition and refinement. This approach, combined with her warm demeanor and fluency in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, allows her to connect with a wide range of students from various backgrounds.

Whether you’re just beginning your piano journey or looking to refine your skills at an advanced level, studying under Luba means learning from a true master of the craft—someone who lives and breathes the music she teaches.

Sandra M.

Sandra M.

Piano Instructor

Sandra is a highly experienced and passionate piano instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience. Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, she holds a degree in Music Education and has spent decades dedicated to helping students discover the transformative power of music. Her training includes RCM certification up to Level 10. She also studied at the music conservatory in Brazil, which provided her with a broad and international foundation in both classical and contemporary music education.

Sandra’s musical range is vast — from etudes, waltzes and tangos to jazz and beyond — and she brings this versatility into every lesson. She also has extensive experience leading and performing with both adult and children’s choirs, and she spent 30 years as a certified elementary school teacher, which has deeply influenced her educational approach. Her background in general education allows her to skillfully adapt teaching methods and pedagogies to meet the unique needs of each piano student.

To Sandra, music is more than just a subject — it’s a way of life. She believes strongly in music’s ability to transform, uplift, and inspire, and she continually seeks new ways to help her students achieve their fullest potential. Known for her happy, bubbly personality and positive energy, Sandra creates a warm and welcoming environment where students of all ages feel encouraged, supported, and motivated.

Outside of teaching, Sandra enjoys baking, crocheting, shopping, and traveling — always bringing her creativity and joy for life into everything she does.

Diana A.

Diana A.

Piano Instructor

 

Diana is a proficient pianist, based in Ontario, Canada, who has received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Western Ontario, completed the ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, and received the Larry and Susan Agranove Award in 2019. Diana is a classically trained pianist, as well as performing a variety of musical styles, including Tangos, Waltzes, Etudes, Nocturnes, Movie soundtracks and Folk musical genres. She is experienced in performing at Wedding Ceremonies, Banquet Hall Events, Professional Venues, Artistic events/galleries and outdoor organized events. Diana is an accomplished piano instructor since 2018, with a deep love for teaching and helping students achieve their goals. She is also an RCM Certified teacher, able to teach students of all levels, ages, and learning goals, from preliminary until RCM Level 10. Diana’s teaching approach is centered on the individual learning style of her students. She believes every student is unique and requires a tailored approach that caters to the specific needs and goals of each student. Her focus is on empowering her students to express themselves and make independent musical decisions. She incorporates a variety of strategies that aims to develop an understanding of the music, inviting her students to think creatively and explore new avenues in their learning.

Nahara I.

Nahara I.

Piano & Vocal Instructor; Program Coordinator

With over a decade of vocal performance experience and a rich foundation in choral music, Nahara offers a dynamic and deeply personalized approach to music education. Specializing in both voice and piano, she tailors each lesson to meet the unique needs, goals, and learning styles of her students—whether they are beginners or seasoned performers, children or adults, neurodivergent learners or neurotypical.

Nahara’s teaching philosophy blends the discipline of classical technique with the freedom of creative exploration. Her lessons emphasize healthy vocal production, expressive musicality, and a strong technical foundation, all while fostering a supportive and joyful learning environment. She believes that music should be both empowering and accessible, and works to inspire confidence, self-expression, and a lifelong connection to music in every student she teaches.

Stacy N.

Stacy N.

Piano Instructor

Stacy is a passionate and dedicated piano instructor who has been teaching at the Academy for the past two years. With a musical journey that began at the age of six, piano has been a central part of her life for as long as she can remember. What started as a childhood interest quickly grew into a lifelong passion — one she now finds great joy in sharing with her students.

Stacy’s formal musical training includes years of study through the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she developed a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for musicality and expression. In addition to her piano expertise, Stacy also spent four years studying the cello — an instrument she describes as “absolutely beautiful” — which has further enriched her understanding of music and performance. She has performed in a variety of recitals and has been mentored by accomplished instructors who have shaped her into the well-rounded musician she is today.

As a teacher, Stacy is known for her encouraging and patient approach. She tailors each lesson to the individual needs of her students, creating a supportive environment where they can grow in confidence, skill, and creativity. Her goal is to make learning both fun and focused — helping students achieve meaningful progress while genuinely enjoying the music they play.

Outside the studio, Stacy is currently pursuing a degree in nursing. Her compassionate nature and creativity are evident not just in her future career plans, but in the care and thoughtfulness she brings to her teaching. Whether she’s helping a beginner find their rhythm or guiding a more experienced student through advanced repertoire, Stacy is committed to nurturing a lifelong love of music in every student she teaches.

Hazyel I.

Hazyel I.

Piano & Vocal Instructor

 

Hazyel has been teaching piano and vocals for 3 years and has been working with kids in music for over 8 years. With 12 years of vocal training and 6 years of piano experience, she has achieved RCM Level 10 in voice and continues to grow her love for music.

She has taught students ranging in age from 3 to 17, including many children with diverse needs such as autism and ADHD. Her patience, creativity, and supportive approach allow her to adapt lessons so that every student feels confident and successful.

Her performance background includes professional musical theatre productions, such as The Lion King, as well as music camps like Musica Palooza, where she has both performed and taught. In addition to music, Hazyel danced for 12 years, which has shaped her strong connection to rhythm, expression, and stage presence.

As a teacher, Hazyel’s approach is student-led and focused on building strong concept comprehension. She believes that when students truly understand the music, results naturally follow through practice and dedication. Her goal is to make lessons fun, inspiring, and a place where students can grow both musically and creatively.

Outside of teaching, Hazyel is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), bringing her passion for both the arts and helping others into everything she does.

Guitar Teachers

Xaver D.

Xaver D.

Head Guitar & Ukulele Instructor

Xaver is a highly experienced and dedicated music educator who has been a valued part of our teaching team since 1998. Certified in all Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) levels for classical guitar, Xaver brings over two decades of professional teaching and performance experience to his students.

He studied classical guitar under the renowned Norbert Kraft and trained extensively at the Kassner Guitar Academy in Toronto, where he completed his RCM certification. His passion for flamenco music has taken him around the world — most notably to Spain, where he immersed himself in the country’s rich flamenco tradition. There, he studied under acclaimed artists including David Phillips, Jose Valle, Juan Tomas, and Harry Owen, gaining a deep understanding of the music, culture, and lifestyle that define flamenco.

In addition to his classical and flamenco background, Xaver studied fingerstyle jazz guitar with legendary guitarist Lenny Breau and has performed with ensembles such as the flamenco group Fuego Flamenco Quadra. This broad range of influences gives Xaver a uniquely versatile approach to teaching and performing.

Xaver offers lessons in classical, flamenco, acoustic, electric guitar, ukulele, and piano. While he takes a structured, traditional approach when following the RCM curriculum, he also values flexibility — adapting his lessons to suit each student’s individual goals, musical interests, and learning style. Whether working with beginners or advanced players, children or adults, Xaver is known for his patient and thoughtful instruction.

Fluent in both English and German, Xaver creates a welcoming, culturally aware environment for students of all ages and backgrounds. His ability to connect with children in particular has made him a favourite among young learners.

Hayden R.

Hayden R.

Guitar & Ukulele Instructor

Hayden is a prime example of a musical success story, grown right here at our Academy!

Hayden’s journey with music began as a guitar student within our very own walls, where his passion and dedication quickly set him apart. From his early days learning power chords and solos to now guiding students through those same steps, Hayden’s growth has been nothing short of inspiring. He officially joined our teaching staff in 2022 and has since flourished into one of our most skilled, versatile, and respected instructors.

Since stepping into the role of teacher, Hayden has expanded his musical horizons immensely, both in the classroom and on stage! He is currently an active member of the heavy metal band Automatic Fire, a hard-hitting group that has taken the stage in cities across Ontario and Quebec, from Hamilton and Toronto to as far as Montreal. Their music blends raw energy with technical skill, and you can catch their original tracks on Spotify—highly recommended if you want a taste of Hayden’s musical style!

In addition to his teaching and performing career, Hayden is academically trained, having earned a diploma in Music Performance from the renowned Metalworks Institute. He attended from 2023 to 2024 and served as the student musical director, further refining his leadership skills and deepening his understanding of music theory, arrangement, and performance.

Hayden specializes in teaching electric guitar and is especially passionate about rock and metal. Some of his biggest influences include legendary bands like Metallica, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen. Whether he’s helping a beginner learn their first riff or guiding an advanced student through complex solos, Hayden brings energy, patience, and a deep love of music to every lesson.

His ultimate goal? To help each student tap into their inner rock star and discover the joy of making music!

Kevin H.

Kevin H.

Guitar & Ukulele Instructor

Kevin first fell in love with the guitar at a young age, teaching himself to play in a household where no one else was musically inclined. Fueled by passion and inspired by legendary artists like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Eric Clapton, Deep Purple, and Nirvana, Kevin carved his own musical path from the ground up.

Over the years, he has built a diverse and dynamic career—performing live on stage, playing at private events, contributing to studio sessions, and supporting countless charity fundraisers through his music. Yet, of all the stages he’s stood on, the one that brings him the most joy is the classroom.

Kevin offers instruction in electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and ukulele. Whether you’re a total beginner, a young rocker picking up the uke for the first time, or an aspiring band ready to jam, Kevin’s lessons focus on developing both feel and technique. His approach emphasizes playing by ear and truly feeling the music, rather than relying on sheet music.

From group band sessions to beginner ukulele classes for kids, Kevin is dedicated to helping every student discover their inner rock star and build a lifelong love of music.

Dee C.

Dee C.

Guitar & Ukulele Instructor

 

Dee Corcoran is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and creative artist with over 20 years of experience as a performing musician. She has travelled extensively, playing music around the world through live gigs, intimate venues, and street performances, gaining a deep, practical understanding of music beyond the classroom.

As a singer-songwriter and artist, she has won multiple songwriting contests and released numerous original songs. Her experience includes extensive studio recording as well as independent home recording, giving her a well-rounded perspective on songwriting, performance, and the recording process.

In addition to performing, she has many years of experience teaching guitar and songwriting to students of all ages. Her teaching approach is rooted in creativity, artistic expression, and real-world experience, with a strong focus on helping students build confidence in performing, develop authentic stage presence, and embrace their own creative expression and uniqueness. She encourages students to find their individual voice while building strong musical foundations. Lessons can include guitar technique, singing while playing, songwriting, performance confidence, stage presence, and creative exploration.

Drum Teachers

Randolf J.

Randolf J.

Head Drum Instructor

Hailed by Billboard Magazine as …”one of the best Latin-American drummers nowadays”, Randolf Jimenez is a respected session drummer, percussionist, composer, educator and published author who has worked with many Grammy, Latin-Grammy and Juno award-winning artists and musicians. He has been playing professionally for more than 20 years and he has taught hundreds of students from beginner to advanced levels. He has also conducted masterclasses, clinics and workshops in different parts of the world. He is currently a Dance Accompanist at York University and a Senior teaching artist and mentor at Sistema Toronto.

His work has been featured on websites, newspapers and magazines in South America, Europe, Japan and Canada including Billboard Magazine, All About Jazz, Malta Core, Drum Fills Kafe, Acid Conga, Tokyo Jazz Review, A Uno Magazine, CARAS Magazine and many others.

Since moving to Canada in 2013, he quickly became known as “the most sought-after Latin drummer in Toronto.” Randolf has toured across Canada and performed at many of the country’s most renowned venues, including the Meridian Centre for the Arts, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Massey Theatre, Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall), Harbourfront Centre, Yonge-Dundas Square, the Daniels Spectrum Theatre, the Opera House, the Toronto Centre for the Arts, the Glenn Gould Studio at CBC, and many more.

His drum method “The Groove Schoolbook” is currently distributed worldwide through Mel Bay Publications. Randolf is an official endorser for Sonor drums, Paiste cymbals, Tycoon Percussion, Vater drumsticks, Audix microphones, Focusrite interfaces and Humes&Berg cases. He is also a voting member for the Latin Grammys (LARAS).

Tyler T.

Tyler T.

Drum & Bass Instructor

Tyler is a passionate and versatile musician who brings years of experience and energy to his teaching. He began studying drums at the age of 10, developing a strong foundation in rhythm, groove, and technique through private lessons, live performances, and studio work. His deep understanding of both drum set performance and concert band percussion — including idiophones and membranophones — allows him to teach a wide range of styles and instruments with clarity and precision.

In addition to his drumming expertise, Tyler has over 10 years of dedicated study in bass guitar. As the bassist for the dynamic rock band Sonic Groove, he brings real-world performance experience into the lesson room, inspiring students through his creativity, strong groove, and musical versatility.

Tyler is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, helping each student find their unique voice and grow in both confidence and skill. His teaching style emphasizes personalized instruction, creative exploration, and building a solid technical foundation — all within a supportive and engaging environment.

Whether he’s behind the kit, laying down a bassline on stage, or guiding a student through a new concept, Tyler’s passion for music and education shines through in everything he does.

Krithick J.

Krithick J.

Drum Instructor

Krithick is a passionate and energetic drum teacher who brings both musical skill and a love of rhythm to every lesson. He began playing drums at the age of 8 and has been developing his craft ever since, with a strong focus on both technique and creativity. In addition to drums, he also has three years of experience playing the clarinet in a school band, providing a well-rounded background in music theory and ensemble playing.

Although relatively new to teaching — with 1 year of experience — Krithick already demonstrates a natural ability to connect with students and make learning fun. His teaching style focuses on helping students become familiar with drum notation while incorporating a mix of activities, including song playing, note reading, workbook exercises, and, of course, plenty of hands-on drumming. Lessons are engaging, encouraging, and always tailored to suit each student’s learning pace.

A skilled ear player, Krithick excels at improvised drumming and enjoys helping students explore their own musical creativity. Outside the music room, he’s also an avid basketball player — bringing the same energy, rhythm, and team spirit to his teaching as he does to the court.

Whether you’re just picking up your first pair of drumsticks or looking to build on your existing skills, Krithick offers an inspiring and supportive space to learn and grow as a drummer.

Ekene I.

Drum Instructor

Ekene is a dedicated young drummer who brings energy, enthusiasm, and a love for rhythm to every lesson. At just 17 years old, he has already spent over seven years honing his craft, developing a strong foundation in drumming through personal practice, discipline, and formal training at a local music school.

Though newer to teaching, Ekene approaches his role as an instructor with a clear goal: to help students grow their skills while having fun. His teaching style is a balanced mix of structure and enjoyment — guiding students through technical development while keeping lessons engaging and approachable. He focuses on building confidence behind the kit, one beat at a time.

Ekene is especially passionate about helping beginners find their groove and discover the excitement of playing drums. His natural ability to connect with students, combined with his commitment to learning and self-improvement, makes him a strong role model for young musicians.

When he’s not behind the drum set, you can often find Ekene on the basketball court — another space where rhythm, coordination, and dedication come together.

Voice Teachers

Sergey M.

Sergey M.

Head Vocal Instructor

Sergey Martsenyuk is a classically trained operatic baritone and dedicated educator specializing in voice and piano. With over a decade of international performance experience on opera stages around the world, Sergey brings a wealth of musical insight and a passion for excellence to every lesson.

A strong advocate of the classical foundation in both vocal and piano instruction, Sergey emphasizes solid technique and expressive musicianship. However, he remains open and supportive of students exploring a wide range of musical genres, tailoring his approach to each individual’s interests and goals.

Sergey recently turned his focus toward teaching, driven by a desire to help the next generation of musicians reach their full potential. He firmly believes that everyone has a voice — and that it is the teacher’s role to uncover, nurture, and empower it. His enthusiastic and encouraging style makes him a favorite among students of all ages who are looking to grow both technically and artistically.

Nahara I.

Nahara I.

Piano & Vocal Instructor; Program Coordinator

With over a decade of vocal performance experience and a rich foundation in choral music, Nahara offers a dynamic and deeply personalized approach to music education. Specializing in both voice and piano, she tailors each lesson to meet the unique needs, goals, and learning styles of her students—whether they are beginners or seasoned performers, children or adults, neurodivergent learners or neurotypical.

Nahara’s teaching philosophy blends the discipline of classical technique with the freedom of creative exploration. Her lessons emphasize healthy vocal production, expressive musicality, and a strong technical foundation, all while fostering a supportive and joyful learning environment. She believes that music should be both empowering and accessible, and works to inspire confidence, self-expression, and a lifelong connection to music in every student she teaches.

Hazyel I.

Hazyel I.

Piano & Vocal Instructor

 

Hazyel has been teaching piano and vocals for 3 years and has been working with kids in music for over 8 years. With 12 years of vocal training and 6 years of piano experience, she has achieved RCM Level 10 in voice and continues to grow her love for music.

She has taught students ranging in age from 3 to 17, including many children with diverse needs such as autism and ADHD. Her patience, creativity, and supportive approach allow her to adapt lessons so that every student feels confident and successful.

Her performance background includes professional musical theatre productions, such as The Lion King, as well as music camps like Musica Palooza, where she has both performed and taught. In addition to music, Hazyel danced for 12 years, which has shaped her strong connection to rhythm, expression, and stage presence.

As a teacher, Hazyel’s approach is student-led and focused on building strong concept comprehension. She believes that when students truly understand the music, results naturally follow through practice and dedication. Her goal is to make lessons fun, inspiring, and a place where students can grow both musically and creatively.

Outside of teaching, Hazyel is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), bringing her passion for both the arts and helping others into everything she does.

Violin Teachers

Sigfried H.

Sigfried H.

Violin Instructor

Sigfried is a multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and active performer with over a decade of experience in classical and folk music. He’s been teaching violin for the past three years, primarily in the classical style (Suzuki-based), but also loves exploring fiddle, jazz, and blues. In addition to violin, he offers beginner lessons in acoustic guitar (folk/country styles) and music theory up to RCM Level 7/8.

As a violinist, He is entering his fifth season with the Huronia Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Canadian Musicians Co-op and in the experimental duo “Marble Ziplock.” He also enjoys playing honky-tonk and blues at local jam sessions. His personal music practice includes 11 years of violin, 5 years of guitar, and experience with harmonica, banjo, mandolin, and accordion.

Outside of teaching, Sigfried is a folk/country singer-songwriter with multiple releases, including a studio album, live record, EP, and ongoing collaborative projects.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals first, followed by openness to diverse musical interests and styles brought in by students. Sigfried aims to create a supportive and exploratory learning environment for every musician he works with.

When he’s not teaching or performing, Sigfried studies Environmental Ethics at the University of Toronto. He is also a visual artist and writer, with international exhibitions and a poetry/philosophy book on the way!